The Friends Program has been matching volunteers with community members in need since 1975. Over the past decade, its fundraising auction has been an annual tradition for the Who’s Who of Concord. This year will be no different.
The 2014 auction will take place May 2 at the Grappone Conference Center. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the 7:30 p.m. live auction will be preceded by a buffet dinner, silent auction, and cash bar.
There is fantastic artwork depicting Concord and other local scenes by 26 New Hampshire artists, including local luminaries like Robert Larsen, Charlotte Thibault, Becky Kinhan (whose painting is on the cover of this newspaper), Ellen Davis and many more (this year’s theme was artist’s choice), as well as a host of other exciting specialty items, including:
∎ Dinner for six at your home cooked by an Angelina’s chef.
∎ The opportunity to create and name a burger at the Barley House.
∎ A 30-minute scenic flight over Concord.
∎ VIP tickets to a taping of the Colbert Report (with overnight stay).
∎ A South African photo safari.
Event registration is $65 and can be done by calling 228-1193 or by visiting friendsprogram.org/events/15th-annual-auction.
Of course, the Friends Program is really four programs. There’s the Foster Grandparent program, which sets up retirees with volunteer opportunities in youth-service organizations like schools or group homes, where they can pass on their wisdom to younger generations. The Junior-Senior Friends program links at-risk youth with an older mentor to hang out with. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program matches seniors 55 and older with volunteer positions at places like the Boys and Girls Club and Concord Hospital. And there’s the Emergency Housing Program, which offers shelter to homeless families and helps them get back on your feet.
There are two common themes running through these four programs. One is that they both exemplify a community’s compassion and willingness to help out those in need. The other is that without the money raised at the annual Friends Auction, these programs simply could not operate. What better way to support community service in Concord than to raise money and get one-of-a-kind prizes?
